Monthly Archives: December 2017

Happy Fresh Start!

I hope that you had the merriest holiday season. I know that tomorrow is just a turn of the calendar, but seeing that big number roll over to 2018 always give me a renewed energy. Are you a resolution maker? As far as resolutions go, I usually just pick something small and easy to achieve. One year it was to master using chopsticks. Another year I vowed to not go to Target. Many years it’s been to just dropping or adding a single habit. While I don’t get to hung up on the resolutions, I am a major geek when it comes to goal setting. This is my Christmas! I’ve had some years where I felt like I really nailed it, not only on achieving my goals, but merely on organizing my plan of action. Other years I look back and think, crap…I’ve accomplished nothing! Each year I get a little more clear on the system that works for me. Let me share my process with you:

Reflect:

In order to know where you’re going, you have to look back at where you’ve been. I take a look at the previous year. I think about what I did that made me feel successful. I take some notes on what habits are holding me back. I just purge those ideas on paper in 2 separate categories.

Then I’ll make a list of actions that I can do to maintain Column A and Improve in Column B.

For the areas that I am lacking in, I have to think about why I struggle in those areas. Then I look at what I can do to make those actions more accessible. If I can’t establish a working routine, then I need to decide if I’m forcing something that is outside of my skill set, or modify until it becomes accessible.

Looking forward:

I make columns for short term goals (30-90 days), mid-range (1 year) and long term (5-10). Right now I’m just purging dream accomplishments. Be as far fetched as you want. You can reel it in later if you change your mind,

Once the purge is done, take a look at what really stands out to you. then make a category for each of those major ideas. Now, instead of just closing shop here, you’re going to instead make a list of actions that support the results you just wrote down.

Those list of actions are now your goals.

For an easy example: If you wrote “Lose 20 lbs”, that’s fine, but that is a result. Your goal is to consistently practice habits that result in a 20 lb weight loss. Think about what it takes to reach that goal. You might write something like:

Drink 75 oz of water each day

Eat fresh vegetables with every lunch and dinner

Complete at least 20 minutes of vigorous activity each day

Diversify:

You’ll want to go through a few separate rounds of this, dividing your life into sections like Family, Professional, Spiritual (or whatever categories you find applicable). Don’t worry about getting everything sorted out today. When the ball drops, your year doesn’t have to be set in stone.

Share your goals:

Accountability is key in accomplishing your goals. I’d love to hear about what you’d like to achieve in 2018, but if you don’t want to post it publicly, think about who you trust the most, and share that information with your biggest cheerleader.

Fitness goals or not:

Whether your goals are fitness related or not, practicing good nutrition and regular exercise is proven to support achievement in all areas of life. If you’re ready to take action and get your fitness in check, Ive got you covered.

Beginning January 8, 2018 a completely new program will be up on the site. Monthly subscribers, you’ll have complete access to it. If you aren’t a subscriber, you’ll still have an opportunity to join in. The program will go live on January 8. This gives you about a week to sort your intentions and invite your friends to join. Once the program is live, we’ll spend a week reviewing it. You can test out some recipes, try the workouts and ask me as many questions as you can think of. Then, on January 15, let’s start it together as a group. I’ll be doing it along with you, that way if we find that something isn’t working, we can amend it and make it better right away.

Meanwhile, try one of my favorite 30 minute workouts. The only equipment needed is a hand towel.

I look forward to sharing this new series with you! I’d love to have as many progress pictures as possible, so don’t forget to take them, and please share!